Pirmoji Kauno pilis ir kovos su Vokiečių ordinu Kauno apylinkėse iki XV a. pradžios
The First Castle of Kaunas and the Fights with the Teutonic Order in Kaunas District until the Begining of the 13th century

Summary/Abstract: The war between the Lithuanians and the Teutonic Order in Prussia began in 1283. Until the middle of the 14th century, the Order would attack the western part of Lithuania. With the destruction of the Kaunas stone castle in spring 1362, the Order began to organize intensive attacks of the heart of the Lithuanian state and marches to Trakai and Vilnius. The Livonian Order was devastating the northern Lithuania. The function of the first Kaunas castle, built in 1361-1362, was to protect the state from the west and secure the waterway to Vilnius by the river Neris. Kaunas castle was the first of the four fence-type stone castles built in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th century (Medininkai, Lyda and Krėva castles were built in 1370-1380). The smallest in size, the Kaunas castle was the last to be taken by the army of the Teutonic Order. Finally, it was demolished and never rebuilt. The siege and assault of the castle occurred on March 29th-April 17th, 1362. The crusaders from Prussia were joined by guest knights from England, Italy, Germany and the army of the Livonian Order. 350 Lithuanian fighters died, whereas 36 survivors and the duke Vaidotas were taken captive. The crusaders demolished the castle and burned the eastern settlements.

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